The Arboretum is full of interesting and unusual trees and shrubs. Designed by ‘Capability’ Brown in 1762, it retains much of his original vision.
On 30 May 1765 Lady Shelburne’s diary noted, “…Mr Browne’s plantations are very young but promising”. Brown supplied the “forest trees”, with Lord Shelburne sourcing “curious seeds and trees”. These included cedar of Lebanon, one of Brown’s signature trees, several of which can still be seen at Bowood, including the largest cedar in Europe!
An extensive range of trees that continue to be added to can be explored in the Arboretum. There are over 700 species and 24 Champion trees. The nearby Pinetum was first laid out in 1849. Here the trees were planted in a geographical pattern according to their country of origin. Meandering through the trees leading down to the charming Doric Temple overlooking the lake makes for a pleasant walk.
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, following the advice of the Hon. Charles Hamilton of Painshill, a ‘picturesque’ rock landscape, with a cascade, grottoes and a hermit’s cave, was constructed below Brown’s dam at the head of the lake.
Whether you’re a tour operator, special interest group or planning to visit with friends and family, we have a variety of garden tours and packages at Bowood House & Gardens to suit all interests.
A guided tour of the enchanting landscape awaits you, with a flowing mix of plantations and sweeping lawns leading down to a mile long lake. Behind the Georgian house through a secret door is Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s Private Walled Garden. Offering guided tours of the four distinct one-acre square garden’s comprising of formal borders, a picking garden, glass houses and a working kitchen garden.
Groups can enjoy a beautiful day visiting Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s family home, surrounded by acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscape and stunning gardens. With the option for groups to enjoy at their own leisure or to book a guided tour.
Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne’s Private Walled Gardens, surrounding Bowood House.
We offer the opportunity for guests to book onto our monthly guided tours dates. Groups of 12 or more, a tour can be organised on a weekday of your choice with discounted rates. For more information please email houseandgardens@bowood.org or telephone 01249 810961.
Wiltshire’s Bowood House and Gardens, set within 2,000 acres of Grade I listed ‘Capability’ Brown parkland, making it the perfect location for outdoor learning and adventures. With school groups in mind, Bowood has devised a selection of specially-themed tours that will capture the imagination of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils.
You may wish to book a group of 12 guests or more on to a special ‘Capability’ Brown themed garden tour. The Bowood landscape has an exceptionally interesting history which will be revealed in this special tour.
Bowood House & Gardens has re-opened to Season Ticket Holders and Day Visitors.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:00 – 18:00, with last entries at 17:00. Tickets are available to book online in advance only.
Please click here to book online.
Bowood House, Soft Play, The Den and Treehouse Cafe will remain closed until further notice. Refreshments are available from The Nosh Box and kiosk.
Day Tickets are now available to pre-book online
Bowood House & Gardens has re-opened to Season Ticket Holders and Day Visitors.
A Day Ticket allows entry to Bowood Grounds and Gardens, including timed sessions to the Adventure Playground, Please purchase tickets in advance online.
Please note Day Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Unfortunately, only assistance dogs are permitted inside the Grounds of Bowood House & Gardens. Students are charged at our normal group rates. All visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants are charged at half the normal admission rate. Children under 2 years old are complimentary and do not need a ticket.
Open from 1st June until 1st November 2020.
The Bowood Season Ticket allows entry to Bowood Grounds and Gardens, including timed sessions to the Adventure Playground, Please note the new attraction for 2020 – The Den, including Soft Play is closed at this time.
2020 Season Ticket Prices:
Please see below for the following options for prices apply from 1st June 2020.
Children under 2 years old are complimentary and do not need a ticket.
Tickets can be purchased online here
For more information regarding our ticket prices, please call: 01249 812 102 or email: reception@bowood.org
Is Bowood House & Gardens open?
Bowood has re-opened to Season Ticket Holders and Day Visitors. Bowood House, Soft Play, The Den, and Treehouse Cafe will remain closed until further notice. Refreshments are available from The Nosh Box and kiosk.
Is Bowood House & Gardens fully accessible?
Bowood welcomes people with disabilities and offers half-price admissions for visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants. Working Assistance Dogs are also welcome.
Please note: Bowood House is not open at this time.
Please note that wheelchair access to remote areas of the park can be limited as there are some paths with fairly steep gradients. The ground floor of Bowood House is fully accessible to wheelchair users, however the upper floors and exhibition rooms are only accessible by stairs. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available inside the Treehouse Café and inside Bowood House.
Please also note paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore Wheelchairs and Pushchairs may find it difficult. Designated parking is available and wheelchairs can be borrowed, subject to availability. Visitors to the House may be allowed to drive to a set off point adjacent to Bowood House upon request. Please note that for safety and security reasons we would request to hold your car keys until departure.
Are bicycles, tricyles, scooters and skateboards allowed in to the Grounds?
No wheeled forms of travel are allowed within the Grounds. Parking is available opposite the Admissions point and bicycles may be left in our car park area but entirely at the owner’s risk. If you choose to cycle to visit us, please be aware that the roadways are very narrow.
Pushchairs are allowed.
Are dogs allowed into Bowood grounds?
Only working Assistance Dogs are permitted at Bowood House & Gardens. During the six week season that the Woodland Gardens (a separate attraction on the estate are open late April to early June), here dogs are permitted in that area only, provided they are kept on a lead.
Can I take photographs?
Amateur photography and filming is allowed within the Grounds of Bowood. No photography/film is allowed within the House. For professional photoshoot and filming requests please contact reception@bowood.org or 01249 812102.
Can I bring a Drone?
Drone’s are not allowed on the estate.
Is Bowood a National Trust property?
Bowood House & Gardens is not part of the National Trust but is privately owned the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne.
Are baby changing facilities available?
Baby changing facilities are available, please ask a member of the team.
Where can I get refreshments?
The Noshox serves a selection of delicious home-made cakes, treats and drinks, as well as the Adventure Playground kiosk. The Treehouse Café and Stables Restaurant remain closed at this time.
Picnics are allowed anywhere within the grounds (except the Terraces by the House) and picnic benches are provided.
We regret that barbeques are not permitted anywhere within the Grounds including the car park.
How do I get to Bowood using public transport?
Bus – Routes 33 and X33 (Chippenham to Devizes) go through Derry Hill village. Route 55 stops on the A4 close to the turning into Derry Hill village. It is approximately 1½ miles from the entrance gate to Admissions for the House and Gardens.
Train – The nearest main line station is at Chippenham. Taxis are available or take the 55 bus to Studley crossroads.
Which entrance do I use?
The entrance to the Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is through the Golden Gates opposite the Lansdowne Arms public house in Derry Hill. There is no access from here to the House & Gardens.
The entrance to the House and Gardens is at the other end of Derry Hill village, just off the A4. You will enter via a White Gate. If using Satellite Navigation, please use postcode SN11 9NF.
All are signposted from the A4 and A342.
The Woodland Gardens (open from late April to early June) are located off the A342 between Derry Hill and Sandy Lane. For Satellite Navigation please use the postcode SN11 9PG.
Is there a car and coach park at Bowood?
Free parking is available opposite the Treehouse Café and main Admission point.
Can coaches drop passengers at Bowood House?
It is possible for coaches to drop off and collect passengers from the House by prior arrangement. Please call 01249 810961 for all group booking enquiries.
For more information, please call: 01249 812 102 or email: reception@bowood.org
If you have a question about your visit to Bowood, you might find it here.
Are you currently open to the public?
Bowood’s Gardens, Terraces and Adventure Playground have re-opened to Day Visitors. Bowood House, Soft Play, The Den and Treehouse Cafe will remain closed until further notice. Refreshments are available from The Nosh Box and kiosk
I’m a member of the Historic Houses, do I get complimentary entry to Bowood House & Gardens?
Yes, you are welcome to visit Bowood House & Gardens, but only up to 3 complimentary visits. The membership does not include the Woodland Gardens.
I’m a Corporate member of the Historic Houses, do I get complimentary entry to Bowood House & Gardens?
No, I am afraid we do not accept Corporate HHA memberships at Bowood House & Gardens or the Woodland Gardens.
I’m a member of the RHS, do I get complimentary entry to Bowood House & Gardens?
No, however you do get complimentary entry to Bowood Woodland Gardens (open late April to early June, 11:00am to 06:00pm)
Do I have to buy a ticket online?
Day Tickets are only available to purchase online in advance, please click here for more details.
Are wheelchairs available?
Wheelchairs are available at the House & Gardens on a first come first serve basis.
How much is a ticket to Bowood House & Gardens?
Please view our ticket price page here
How much is a ticket to the Woodland Gardens?
Please view here
How can I purchase a Season Ticket?
Season Tickets can be purchased online here
How do I book a Birthday party?
Birthday Parties are available during Bowood House & Gardens open season. Please call 01249 810 961 or email houseandgardens@bowood.org
I bought tickets online can I change the date?
Once purchased online, tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Is swimming in the lake allowed?
Swimming or paddling in the lake, cascade, or fountains is strictly forbidden.
Is fishing on the lake allowed?
Fishing on the lake is by annual permit only; day tickets are not available. Please call 01249 812102 for more information.
What happens in inclement weather?
Please note that during inclement weather, the Flying Fox (zip wire) and large outdoor slides will be closed, however all other attractions remain unaffected. There are no reductions/discounts available in poor weather. Bowood management reserves the right to close the House and Gardens in exceptional circumstances.
Can I leave my car overnight?
There are no overnight parking or camping facilities on the Estate. Accommodation is available at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Can I camp in the grounds or the car park?
There are no overnight parking or camping facilities on the Estate. Accommodation is available at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Are dogs allowed into Bowood grounds?
Only working Assistance Dogs are permitted at Bowood. During the six week season that the Woodland Gardens are open, dogs are permitted in that area only, provided they are kept on a lead.
Can I bring a Drone?
Drones are not allowed on the estate.
For more information, please call: 01249 812 102 or email: reception@bowood.org
Bowood House & Gardens has re-opened to Season Ticket Holders and Day Visitors.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:00 – 18:00, with last entries at 17:00. Tickets are available to book online in advance only.
Please click here to book online.
Bowood House, Soft Play, The Den and Treehouse Cafe will remain closed until further notice. Refreshments are available from The Nosh Box and kiosk.
Is Bowood House & Gardens open?
Bowood has re-opened to Season Ticket Holders and Day Visitors. Bowood House, Soft Play, The Den, and Treehouse Cafe will remain closed until further notice. Refreshments are available from The Nosh Box and kiosk.
Is Bowood House & Gardens fully accessible?
Bowood welcomes people with disabilities and offers half-price admissions for visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants. Working Assistance Dogs are also welcome.
Please note: Bowood House is not open at this time.
Please note that wheelchair access to remote areas of the park can be limited as there are some paths with fairly steep gradients. The ground floor of Bowood House is fully accessible to wheelchair users, however the upper floors and exhibition rooms are only accessible by stairs. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available inside the Treehouse Café and inside Bowood House.
Please also note paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore Wheelchairs and Pushchairs may find it difficult. Designated parking is available and wheelchairs can be borrowed, subject to availability. Visitors to the House may be allowed to drive to a set off point adjacent to Bowood House upon request. Please note that for safety and security reasons we would request to hold your car keys until departure.
Are bicycles, tricyles, scooters and skateboards allowed in to the Grounds?
No wheeled forms of travel are allowed within the Grounds. Parking is available opposite the Admissions point and bicycles may be left in our car park area but entirely at the owner’s risk. If you choose to cycle to visit us, please be aware that the roadways are very narrow.
Pushchairs are allowed.
Are dogs allowed into Bowood grounds?
Only working Assistance Dogs are permitted at Bowood House & Gardens. During the six week season that the Woodland Gardens (a separate attraction on the estate are open late April to early June), here dogs are permitted in that area only, provided they are kept on a lead.
Can I take photographs?
Amateur photography and filming is allowed within the Grounds of Bowood. No photography/film is allowed within the House. For professional photoshoot and filming requests please contact reception@bowood.org or 01249 812102.
Can I bring a Drone?
Drone’s are not allowed on the estate.
Is Bowood a National Trust property?
Bowood House & Gardens is not part of the National Trust but is privately owned the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne.
Are baby changing facilities available?
Baby changing facilities are available, please ask a member of the team.
Where can I get refreshments?
The Noshox serves a selection of delicious home-made cakes, treats and drinks, as well as the Adventure Playground kiosk. The Treehouse Café and Stables Restaurant remain closed at this time.
Picnics are allowed anywhere within the grounds (except the Terraces by the House) and picnic benches are provided.
We regret that barbeques are not permitted anywhere within the Grounds including the car park.
We have noticed that you could save money if you purchased a family ticket instead
Would you like us to add a family ticket to your basket?